Glenn Bray Jr.

Glenn L. Bray Jr. was born January 9, 1948 in Kansas City MO to Naomi I (Dierking) Bray and Glenn L. Bray Sr. His early years were spent in Lexington MO, hometown of his parents and Tacoma WA, as his father served in the Military.

Glenn did not know his father long as Glenn L. Bray Sr was MIA / KIA in Korea in late 1950.

Glenn’s Mother moved to Kansas City MO and with Benefits for Military Casualty Family was able to raise Glenn until she could go to work when he was in school.

Glenn was always a gregarious being. He learned early on in life that making others laugh was good. He had friends from early childhood that kept in touch with him throughout his Life, including recent years struggling through Alzheimer’s Disease. I learned AMAZING stories of the adventures of middle school age kids throughout the southeast corner of Kansas City when these Friends visited Glenn.

Glenn graduated from Southeast High School, Kansas City MO in 1966. He attended St. Paul’s College in Concordia MO one year, then moved back to Kansas City MO to attend UMKC. After marriage and starting work, Glenn continued through College Classes at UMKC until he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

His Uncle, Russell Dryer, guided Glenn to early employment in the Optical Business. Glenn showed a knack for Sales and throughout his life he worked Sales jobs at many different levels and businesses. He also developed managerial skills throughout his professional life.

In the early 1970’s Glenn married Judith Dethlefsen of Kansas City. To this family, John F. Bray joined in 1975. Katherine Bray Santoro joined the family in 1978. Glenn was a father who took his children fishing and camping, and was always active in Church activities (Leadership and Teaching Roles). Holidays were always celebrated with Family gatherings.

With the end of his first marriage, Glenn joined St James Lutheran Church in Kansas City. Again, he rose to leadership roles and was active in various organizations of the church. He worked on Habitat for Humanity projects, served on the Church Council, taught occasional classes and even preached a few sermons. But it was in his early days at St. James that he met Susan Macdonald, to whom he was married in October 1993.

Glenn continued to be an active Community Leader throughout his life. Upon his marriage into the Macdonald Family, he learned of his own Scottish Roots through the Bray Genealogy and joined various groups in the Community celebrating the Scottish Culture. Again, Glenn excelled at teaching and leadership. He led the Kansas City Scottish Highland Games Event for five seasons.

Glenn and Susan spent many hours outdoors…exploring and hiking, following bird migrations (which Glenn picked up with curiosity from Susan’s work as a Naturalist). Many day trips across the region included hiking & exploring and always the salesman Glenn would work in visits to small shops on these adventures.

Even through the assaults of Alzheimer’s Disease on Glenn’s body and brain, his strong personality, his gregarious demeanor, his organizational skills and his smile with a desire to leave others laughing came through. When Glenn could no longer speak, these qualities showed through.

Glenn was preceded in death by his father, Glenn L. Bray Sr, his mother, Naomi I. Bray.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Susan Macdonald Bray, his children, John F. Bray and Katherine Santoro, son-in-law Alberto Santoro and grandchildren Joseph, Alex, Mia and Enzo Santoro.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Kansas City St. Andrew Society

Shepherd’s Center of the Northland

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Lakeside Nature Center

(Or a Conservation Organization of choice)

We would like to thank the MANY Caregivers of recent years in Glenn’s Life who provided necessary help, nurturing Glenn through all the stages of Alzheimer’s. He was loved by many. I heard many a laugh as Glenn was attended by Caregivers. And he always had a way of letting Staff know when they had done a Good Job.

Susan M. Bray would also like to thank the Clergy and Members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for their support and encouragement and embraces throughout this Journey of Caregiving with Alzheimer’s.

Rest in Peace, Glenn, Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant